Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Today's discussion is on the use of ICT in primary schools. I wish to draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence relating to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask everyone to turn off their mobile telephones completely or to switch them to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on their devices. Otherwise they interfere with the broadcasting equipment. This meeting is being broadcast live.

Today’s meeting is about the use of information and communications technology, ICT, in primary schools. Enabling primary school pupils to attain necessary levels of competence in ICT skills for subsequent education and the workplace is a pressing issue. We have placed on the members’ database research done by the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, on the matter.

I am pleased to welcome Mr. Pairic Clerkin and Mr. Seán Cottrell from the Irish Primary Principals Network, IPPN, Mr. Peter Mullan, assistant general secretary, and Mr. Robert O’Leary from the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, and Ms Karen Murtagh, assistant principal, and Ms Rita Sexton, assistant principal, from the Department of Education and Skills.

I invite Mr. Pairic Clerkin to make his presentation.